Italian recommendations

Just now there was a comment asking me when is the best time to go to Italy? This is a question that cannot be answered. In fact, based on Italy's own history, diverse landscapes, diverse cuisine, and its foundational position in Western civilization, I have always said that Italy is not just a country, but rather a universe in itself. No matter what season you go, there are destinations suitable for travel. To further elaborate, those who have only traveled to Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice with a tour group are no different from those who have never been to Italy. Traveling to Italy is not just a trip, it's called "Grand Tour" in countries other than Italy. I'll just write a simple recommendation by month off the top of my head. January, From south to north, Italy has the Pantelleria island near Africa with a daytime temperature of 28 degrees, as well as the Dolomites ski resort with a temperature of minus 10 degrees (a UNESCO natural heritage site). In winter, it is also the season of opera, and you can hear top-notch opera performances in Italy's five major opera houses. In all major cities, the least touristy season is suitable for visiting. It's perfect to visit the filming location of "White Lotus Resort" in Taormina, Sicily. The sunshine is warm and there aren't many tourists. Another great destination is the mountain city of Orvieto, a mountain city in Umbria. Stand in front of its cathedral and hold your breath. For dinner, try a dry white wine from the Umbrian wine region, paired with ham from Norcia in the same region. Or head straight to the center and embark on a snow-seeking wolf adventure (with real wild wolves) in Parco della Majella, Abruzzo. February, Spring has arrived in the south, so of course we must go to Agrigento in Sicily, where the hills are covered in blooming almond blossoms. The almond blossoms surround ancient Greek temples, creating an extremely romantic scene. The ski resort in alta Valtellina in northern Milan has excellent snow conditions and is suitable for visiting. This is the venue for most of the men's events in the next Winter Olympics, which in itself speaks to its charm. It is also suitable for shopping, and there is a tax-free valley. Don't forget about Venice in February, Carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Liguria, apart from the Cinque Terre, the place with fewer people is Portofino. Going there at this time, the hotel offers great value for money, and with the bright sunshine and mild temperature in February, you can enjoy the pleasure of fewer crowds. Or head south to the heel of Italy and visit Castel del Monte, a world cultural heritage site in Bari. March, It's the wonderful season of Puglia region. The Baroque architecture of Lecce, the "Florence of the South", is waiting for you to explore. The Taranto Archaeological Museum is a top-notch museum of European standard. Baunei in Sardinia is a good season to enjoy food and sunshine. April At the beginning of the month, in Brenta Dolomiti, Madonna di Campiglio, one of the two high-end ski resorts in Italy, it's a good time for spring skiing and shopping. In late April, spring has arrived in the Po River Plain. Why not visit the town of Modena and see the world's most expensive balsamic vinegar factory? And while you're there, taste the cooking of chef Massimo from Osteria Francescana, once ranked as the world's number one restaurant. Or take a slow train from Milan, arrive in Tirano in two hours, then transfer to the small red train Bernina Express that I have always recommended before, and head to St. Moritz in Switzerland. At this moment, the snow on the mountain has not melted yet. This is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and also a UNESCO cultural heritage site. At the same time, the warm south is already beautiful beyond words, Naples is waiting for you. The story of "My Brilliant Friend" takes place here. The world's best pizza is also here. Explored enough of Naples city, let's return to Sorrento. May In May, Veneto is the transition between spring and early summer, and it is also a good time to visit Vicenza. This is the City of Paladins, needless to say, it is the Mecca of all architecture enthusiasts in the world. There are too many things to see nearby, the botanical garden of the University of Padua was established in the 16th century, the flowers are in full bloom, and it is another UNESCO cultural heritage site. Then drive two hours to Cortina, one of the host cities of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the queen of the Dolomites, and the badass place for all mountain sports in the world. The locals here are not only good at skiing, but also the first ones in the world to conquer K2. June Italy is suitable for travel throughout the country. The peak season of July and August has not yet arrived, and the Alps are already in full bloom. The Ionian Sea in the south is warm enough for swimming. But please let me recommend, I still recommend the town of Gubbio in the Umbria region, where you can take a cute cable car like a birdcage. July and August are peak season. Avoid all seaside resort cities. Avoid all big cities. A recommended destination is Perugia in Umbria, the chocolate city of Italy. It's only an hour's drive to Assisi, the second largest Catholic holy city in the world. At the same time, Festival di due mondi in Spoleto and the ancient Roman aqueduct are highly recommended in the same region. For some reason, the Byzantine stronghold of Ravenna's dreamlike mosaic murals are not crowded with tourists at this time, and it is worth visiting. September Head towards the seaside resort. The large crowds of summer vacationers have dispersed, but the weather is still pleasant. At this time, it's good to go to Capri, Rome, Cinque Terre, Amalfi (of course, also avoid the National Day crowds starting from the end of September). Of course this September, I won't miss the concerts of Anne-Sophie Mutter, the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bavarian State Opera in Dolomiti, where the world's top orchestras meet the most beautiful autumn scenery of mountains. October The vast Alps in Italy gradually enter autumn, with few crowds and intoxicating autumn colors. The beauty of the northern lake area is beyond words. Apart from Como, of course there are Stresa and Varese by Lake Maggiore, go visit one of Italy's most beautiful gardens on the beautiful island. The white mountain city of Ostuni in the Puglia region is enchanting, while Genoa and Turin are both great places to visit. The best grape harvest season is approaching, so let's go to Barolo in the Piedmont region and the Barberesco production area to get drunk and not go home. On the plain of Bohu River, Mantova is shining brightly at this moment. In the south, not to mention, the sea water at Costa Smeralda in Sardinia is blue and transparent at this moment. November For me, November is the best month to visit the main island of Venice. After the departure of a large number of tourists, Venice in the dense fog of the Adriatic Sea is a stunning dreamland that should not exist in this physical world. When the weather is good, Trieste, the former Austro-Hungarian Empire's seaport, is a charming city full of mix and match. At this time, you should come to the Illy Coffee headquarters for a cup of coffee. Then, of course, it's Alba's journey to search for white truffles. In the countless sparkling lakes in the north, I would recommend going to another lesser-known lake, In the autumn scenery, Villa Crespi, a Michelin two-starred restaurant by Lake Orta, is a great place to enjoy the warm autumn sun. December, The northern ski season begins, The Christmas market in the capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, is like a dream. Southern Italy, the filming location of the latest 007 movie, Matera, is worth staying for a few nights. In Gargano, Puglia, now is the best time to admire the spectacular white limestone by the blue sea. On the beautiful small town on the white limestone cliff, every scene is like a movie. In fact, this is also the filming location for countless movies. The Campi Flegrei area near Naples is one of the holy places for hardcore archaeologists and history enthusiasts, Compared to the crowds in Pompeii, here is quieter and more local. I have to stop here, the list can go on and on endlessly. However, nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. May Day holiday, please look forward to my first tour of Italy this year. 1. We won't go to any popular tourist attractions that you've been to with a tour group. Many places you haven't even heard of the name. 2. Hike in the most beautiful Alpine region (not in Switzerland), drink coffee under the warm sun, and admire the magnificent mountain scenery. 3. A typical day in the schedule would look something like this: I will take you to see the only vineyard in the Venetian islands, cross a bridge, and you will arrive at the colorful island of Burano. We can enjoy the beautiful and peaceful night after the tourists have left. The restaurant where we are going to eat is where Hemingway wrote his novel "The Old Man and the Sea" by the river and in the woods. 4. Another day in the schedule: After visiting the mountain museum designed by Zaha Hadid, we went to the Chinese restaurant on the next mountain top. This restaurant is actually popular because of its appearance, but the chef team is trained by Norbert Niederkofler, the only Michelin three-star chef in South Tyrol. After dinner, before starting the hike, you can also visit the neighboring mountain photography museum. 5. Along the way, we will visit more than 10 United Nations natural and cultural heritage sites. 6. Italy's nature, art, outdoor activities, culture, history, cuisine, and wine. #Italy##Italy travel guide##Italian cuisine##Alps##Travel with Weibo#